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To establish 16 Squadron as a support
structure within which Rooivalk Operations, Logistics and Training capabilities are
developed and operationally tested, ensuring system integrity for successful hand over to
service on 01/04/2004

Vision

Rooivalk is a fully integrated operational
Attack Helicopter in the South African National Defense Force, adding strategic value as a
force multiplier

Rugged
Raptor

Atlas Aviations Rooivalk attack
helicopter repre­sents the pinnacle of South African aerospace technological achievement
and is scheduled to enter service with the SAAF before the turn of the century. In the
early 1990s the programme, like all defense projects
in peacetime, battled to defend its budget. However, the prospect of the helicopter as a
big ticket export item (and therefore an important wealth genera­tor for South Africa)
helped to foster sym­pathy from politicians and other decision makers who might have
easi­ly watched it be scrapped. On the world stage, the Rooivalk has won critical acclaim
for itself and South Alicias self-sufficient aerospace industry. Its performance and
level of integrated technology have pushed the helicopter into a league with its rivals,
the McDonnell Douglas Apache and Eurocopter Tiger. Conceptualization of a multi role
combat support helicopter tailored for southern Africas hot, sometimes humid, rugged
and always-dusty battlefield conditions began in the mid 1980s. The upshot was the Alpha
XH1, a proof of concept test
bed based on a radically adapted Alouette III chassis, but featuring the distinctive
stepped up tandem cockpits and a helmet sight aimed chin mounted cannon. Basic design and
developmental testing of the flight controls and weapons systems followed using two
modified Puma helicopters. Some of the technologies tested on these experimental airframes
were subse­quently incorporated into the Oryx. Simultaneously development and testing of
the Topaz turbo shafta South African equivalent of Turbo
Mecca's Makila engine was begun. Like the Oryx, the Rooivalk is
powered by two Topaz engines, each capable of delivering up to 1 467 kilowatts of power.
By 1995 most of the general airframe design and systems architecture

In the cockpit, the original monochrome flight man indication and control
displays had been replaced with multi Function Display (MFD) screens; the latest in glass
cockpit technology. Central to Rooivalk success is its conformance with US military
standards. This ensured its wide acceptance internationally that, if not immediately
compatible with foreign systems it could be made to match with only minor adjustments.

The Helicopter
was designed with the Angola / Namibia border war in a high intensity conventional warfare
environment, sophisticated electronic air defense systems coupled to missiles.
Analysiss of the opponent defense equip-it while
it was not always lethal; it was able to give sufficient warning for preventative action
to be taken. These defenses were detrimental to long - range attacks, as they usually
provided enough time for the opposition to mobilize a wide defense arsenal

This threat
analysis resulted in the Rooivalk embodying four primary not to be seen, not to be hit, if
hit to sustain flight and if a crash was unavoidable, to survive the impact. In keeping
with these objectives the aircraft therefore employs numerous devices to minimize its
radar, aural, infrared, visual and laser signature. It was purposely designed with surplus
power, making it highly maneuverable and has been equipped with air-to -air and
air-to-ground self-defense systems. Beneath its fireproof skin it employs redundant and
dual systems and f flight controls, so that if one system or cockpit is damaged in a hit,
the helicopter can still be flown. The airframe has been crash proofed to withstand
sink rates of 2 000ft a minute without damage. Crews are protected
by armour proof impact-absorbing seats and can evacuate their cockpits through
any of the window panels, all of which can be exploded. Missions for which the
Rooivalk with
its long range bristling array of Armour and sensors has
been envisaged include deep penetration into enemy territory, close in fighting or close
air support, escort (firepower for heliborne operations), maritime operations and
reconnaissance. Mission permutations are virtually endless given the Rooivalk flexible
weapons delivery, amour and fuel storage capabilities. Its broad perfor­mance envelope
enhances the Rooivalk mission capability. It can operate at temperatures ranging
from 350C to +500C and at pressure altitudes varying from 3 GOO n to 19 200fl (for
take off and landing) and 20 000ff (in flight). In a typical multitarget engagement
mission over 208km, it can carry a payload of 16 antitank missiles, four air
toair missiles and 400 20mm cannon rounds at an average cruising speed of 145 knots.
However, its range can he extended if payload is traded for fuel and vice versa. The helicopter can also be fitted with two
750-liter external fuel tanks.